I suppose there are those who might read this and say, “Well, why didn’t YOU ask anyone to lunch during all this time?” and I guess there’s some validity to this. But I’ve always felt that when a newcomer arrives, whether it be at a place of business or any other setting, it’s the job of those who are already there to welcome the new person and invite them.

Either way, yes, it took this long for my co-workers to invite me. They’re not bad people, but not openly friendly either. Maybe its just me, that I’m used to working at other art departments where those who work alongside you eventually become your friends. I don’t know.

Oh, and my answer to Sue’s question in the last panel? Why do I let my manager speak to me the way he does? After being out of work most of the last three years and with the ageism I’ve experienced during that time, I can’t afford to speak my mind. I can’t afford to be unemployed yet again.